Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

Safety Operations

⚠️ CAUTION

Do not disassemble: Touching internal parts can cause injury. Repairs must be done by qualified technicians. If the product breaks open due to an accident, take it to a Nikon-authorized service representative for inspection after unplugging and/or removing the battery.

Turn off immediately in the event of malfunction: If you notice smoke or an unusual smell, remove the battery immediately to avoid burns. Continued operation can cause injury. After disconnecting power, take the product to a Nikon-authorized service representative.

Do not use in the presence of flammable gas: Operating electronic equipment in such an environment can cause an explosion or fire.

Do not look at the sun through the lens or viewfinder: Viewing the sun or strong light sources can cause permanent visual impairment.

Keep out of reach of children: Prevent infants from putting batteries or small parts in their mouths.

Observe the following precautions when handling the camera and lens:

• Keep the camera and lens unit dry. Failure to do so could result in fire or electric shock.
• Do not handle with wet hands. This could result in electric shock.
• When shooting with back-lighting, do not point the lens at the sun or allow sunlight to pass directly down the lens, as this may cause overheating and possibly fire.
• When the lens will not be used for an extended period, attach both front and rear lens caps and store away from direct sunlight. Failure to do so could result in fire if the lens focuses sunlight onto a flammable object.

Nomenclature

• [1] Lens hood (P. 18)
• [2] Lens hood attachment index (P. 18)
• [3] Lens hood setting index (P. 18)
• [4] Lens hood mounting index (P. 18)
• [5] Zoom ring (P. 15)
• [6] Focal length scale (P. 15)
• [7] Focal length index
• [8] Distance scale
• [9] Distance index line
• [10] Focus ring (P. 15)
• [11] Mounting index
• [12] Lens mount rubber gasket (P. 19)
• [13] CPU contacts (P. 19)
• [14] Focus mode switch (P. 15)
• [15] Vibration reduction ON/OFF switch (P. 16)
• [16] Vibration reduction mode switch (P. 16)
• [17] Zoom lock switch

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II lens. These lenses are designed for Nikon digital-SLR (DX-format) cameras. When mounted on DX-format cameras, the picture angle is equivalent to approximately 1.5x the focal length in 35mm format. Please read these instructions and your camera's User's Manual before use.

Major Features

• Vibration Reduction (VRII): Enables slower shutter speeds (approx. four stops*), increasing usable shutter speeds and zoom positions, especially when hand-holding. (*Based on Nikon measurement conditions; effects may vary.)
• NORMAL and ACTIVE Modes: Switchable modes for vibration reduction. NORMAL mode reduces camera shake under normal conditions and with panning. ACTIVE mode reduces more noticeable shake, such as from a moving vehicle. In NORMAL mode, camera shake is distinguished from panning motion.
• Optical Performance: Features three aspherical lens elements and two extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements for superior optical performance and chromatic aberration correction. A rounded aperture provides pleasing out-of-focus blur characteristics.

Focusing, Zooming, and Depth of Field

Rotate the zoom ring [5] to adjust focal length for desired composition. Depth of field can be previewed via the camera's viewfinder if it has a depth-of-field preview button.

The lens uses Nikon's Internal Focusing (IF) system. As shooting distance decreases, focal length also decreases. The distance scale is approximate and for general guidance. Depth of field may cause focus to be closer than infinity when shooting distant landscapes.

Use the zoom lock switch [17] set to LOCK at 18mm to prevent the zoom ring from extending due to lens weight when carrying the camera.

Setting the Aperture

Use the camera to adjust the aperture setting.

Variable Maximum Apertures

Maximum aperture decreases by 1 1/3 stop when zooming from 18mm to 200mm. The camera automatically compensates for correct exposures.

Focusing

Focus Mode Selector

For more information on camera focus modes, refer to your camera's User's Manual.

Autofocus with Manual Override (M/A Mode)

1. Set the lens focus mode switch [14] to M/A. Autofocus is enabled, but can be overridden by rotating the focus ring [10] while pressing the shutter-release button halfway, or by pressing the camera's AF-ON button.
2. Press the shutter-release button halfway or the AF-ON button again to cancel manual focus and resume autofocus.

Refer to "Getting Good Results with Autofocus" in your camera's User's Manual.

Vibration Reduction Mode (VRII)

Basic Concept

Vibration reduction (VRII) reduces the effects of camera shake. The diagram illustrates camera shake and panning shots relative to the strength of vibrations. VRII is effective for both normal camera shake and panning shots.

Setting the Vibration Reduction Mode Switch

Setting the Vibration Reduction ON/OFF Switch

ON: Effects of camera shake are reduced while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway and at shutter release. This aids focusing and framing.

OFF: Effects of camera shake are not reduced.

Setting the Vibration Reduction Mode Switch

Set the ON/OFF switch to ON and choose a mode with the mode switch:

• NORMAL: Primarily reduces camera shake. Also reduces shake with horizontal and vertical panning.
• ACTIVE: Reduces camera shake from sources like moving vehicles. Camera shake is not automatically distinguished from panning motion.

Notes on Using Vibration Reduction

• After pressing the shutter-release button halfway, wait for the viewfinder image to stabilize before fully pressing the button.
• The viewfinder image may appear blurred after shutter release due to VR characteristics; this is not a malfunction.
• For panning shots, set the VR mode switch to NORMAL. If panning in a wide arc, compensation for shake in the panning direction may not occur (e.g., only vertical shake reduced with horizontal panning).
• Do not turn off the camera or remove the lens while VR is operating. This could cause the lens to sound like an internal component is loose or broken; turn the camera on again to correct this.
• With built-in flash, VR does not function while the flash is charging.
• With cameras featuring an AF-ON button, VR does not function even when the AF-ON button is pressed.
• When using a tripod, set the VR ON/OFF switch [15] to OFF. However, set it to ON when using a tripod without securing the head, or when using a monopod.

The Built-in Flash and Vignetting

The built-in flash has a minimum effective distance of 0.6 m (2.0 ft.). To prevent vignetting (darkening of image corners), do not use the lens hood. Vignetting occurs when flash light is obstructed by the lens hood or barrel.

Vignetting Table

The built-in flash on the D100 has coverage suited to focal lengths of 20mm and greater. Vignetting occurs at 18mm.

Using the Lens Hood

The lens hood blocks harmful light rays and protects the lens surface.

Attaching the Hood

Align the lens hood mounting index [4] with the lens hood setting index [3]. Hold the hood by the lens hood attachment index [2] for easier attachment/removal. Incorrect attachment may cause vignetting. The hood can be stored in reverse.

Lens Care

• Be careful not to dirty or damage CPU contacts [13].
• If the lens mount rubber gasket [12] is damaged, visit a Nikon-authorized service representative.
• Clean lens surfaces with a blower brush. For dirt/smudges, use a soft, clean cotton cloth or lens tissue moistened with ethanol or lens cleaner. Wipe in a circular motion from center to edge.
• Never use organic solvents like thinner or benzene, as they can cause damage, fire, or health problems.
• NC filters protect the front element; the lens hood also offers protection.
• When storing in the flexible lens pouch, attach both front and rear lens caps.
• When mounted on a camera, do not pick up or hold the camera/lens by the lens hood.
• For extended storage, keep the lens in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or chemicals like camphor or naphthalene to prevent mold and rust.
• Avoid water contact; it can cause rust and malfunction.
• Reinforced plastic is used for some parts; avoid excessively hot places to prevent damage.

Standard Accessories

• 72mm snap-on Front Lens Cap LC-72
• Rear Lens Cap LF-1
• Bayonet Hood HB-35
• Flexible Lens Pouch CL-1018

Optional Accessory

• 72mm screw-on filters

Specifications

Specifications and designs are subject to change without notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

Notes on Using Wide- or Super Wide-Angle AF NIKKOR Lenses

Autofocus may not perform as expected in certain situations:

Situations

• A person standing in front of a distant background: The background may be in focus, while the subject is out of focus if the subject is small within the focus brackets.
• A field filled with flowers: Focus may be difficult to acquire on finely patterned or low-contrast subjects.

Responses to These Situations

• Focus on a different subject at the same distance, apply focus lock, recompose, and shoot.
• Set the camera's focus mode to manual focus and focus manually on the subject.

Refer to "Getting Good Results with Autofocus" in your camera's User's Manual.

Warranty Information

This document includes warranty information for the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II lens.

Nikon Inc. One Year Limited Warranty (US)

This warranty is valid in the Continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands. It covers defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. It excludes misuse, alteration, abuse, negligence, accidents, unauthorized repairs, and batteries. Nikon Inc. will, at its option, repair or replace the product free of charge.

Worldwide Warranty

This warranty is supplemental to the US warranty and provides protection outside the specified US territories. It covers defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase, with similar exclusions.

Obtaining Warranty Service

To obtain warranty service, you must present this warranty form (Part 1) along with proof of purchase and proof of purchase date. For a list of local Nikon AUTHORIZED SERVICE STATIONS, please visit www.nikonusa.com and click the Service tab, or call 800-NIKONSV (800-645-6678) toll free. The original consumer must prepay all shipping and handling costs.